Hi, does anyone know how to remove the 2 roof lining clips on the roof lining of a 500L? I need to do this to get to the aerial base. Is it as easy as just pulling the clips out (I tried this earlier with a little force but stopped as didn't want to snap them). When removed can they be re-used. The clips I mean are located just above the parcel shelf in the internal roof of the car.

I suspect they are just simple "fir tree" clips... so push in and pull out.

Depending on how cold it is/aged they are, they might snap or break off... you need to try to pull them out straight, and not bend them at all. If you can find yourself a pry bar then that will spread the load under the head of the clip.

If it was me, I'd buy some clips.. probably only available in packs of 5 from the dealer at a £1 each or something... in case (i.e. when) one breaks or is deformed by being removed... although once you have one out, you can measure the hole (probably 7mm) and the length of the clip and then find matching aftermarket ones on eBay etc. that ought to be close enough the right colour.

Be careful with the headlining.. if you lever against it, it can "crush" and then look a bit shonky.


Ralf S.

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I managed to get the roof lining down a little bit but it started creasing where I was trying to get my hand in. There was not enough room to get a socket in. I managed to get a 10mm spanner in but there was not enough room to turn it. I did notice the metal roof of the car (on the inside) had tons of water droplets so it’s either condensation or the aerial base seal is leaking. The part number for the aerial base is different to the 500 even though they look the same. May have to let FIAT do it. The new part is just over £30.

Bellagio said:

I managed to get the roof lining down a little bit but it started creasing where I was trying to get my hand in. There was not enough room to get a socket in. I managed to get a 10mm spanner in but there was not enough room to turn it. I did notice the metal roof of the car (on the inside) had tons of water droplets so it’s either condensation or the aerial base seal is leaking. The part number for the aerial base is different to the 500 even though they look the same. May have to let FIAT do it. The new part is just over £30.

Click to expand...

Probably has the GPS Ariel in for cars fitted with navigation
Most of the 500 Ariel's are likely to be radio only

It doesn’t have Satnav but the aerial on the 500L is a lot further forward than on 500 and harder to get to. I just had a quote and Fiat want £152 to fit a new one! The part is £32 so £120 for labour seems a bit excessive to me! It just unscrews and then you screw the new one in. It’s just a pain to get to so am guessing they would remove more of the roof lining.

Yes.. chances are they'll remove the whole roof lining.

I'd have a go myself.. it's not complicated.. just takes time. Then use the £120 to buy lottery tickets. You never know..

There are similar/likely clips on eBay. I can't post the link since the works network won't let me connect to eBay (I've saved a fortune since they blocked the website... ) but if you search for "Grey Car Panel Trim Clips 6-7mm hole 24mm head" then you'll see them. £5 for 25 .. assuming your clips are precisely this size.


Ralf S.